The best team in the U-21 Euro so far has been the Netherlands, with their two central midfielders, Kevin Strootman and Marco van Ginkel, doing an excellent job so far which probably makes the interest in them, coming from Manchester United and Chelsea, each club with its own player they’re hoping to sign, even stronger and possibly more persistent.

Van Ginkel won the man of the match award for his performance in the 5-1 win over Russia, giving the Dutch six points from their first two matches, securing their spot in the semifinals alongside Spain from the group, still having to play the young La Roja in a decider for the first place and who probably gets to avoid Italy.

Strootman might not be the biggest star on the young team, but he’s definitely looking like its leader and most composed player, especially when it comes to setting players in their defensive positions. He’s already been capped 18 times for the senior national side, and it seems like it’s only a matter of time before he departs from PSV and the Dutch Eredivisie and finds himself in a bigger, richer league.

Manchester United have been after him this summer, but despite the inevitability pictured by the media regarding this potential signing, Strootman is refusing to talk about anything but the Euro at this point, which reminds us of Robin van Persie not talking about his situation during last summer’s Euro, although the Netherlands completely flopped in that one, knocked out in the group stage. He ended up moving to Manchester United.

It’s a bit different with Van Ginkel, who plays for Vitesse. Chelsea have been linked to him, but it doesn’t seem to be as serious as Strootman’s link with United. Van Ginkel also doesn’t mind talking about the situation, saying he’s flattered by the interest, and not in so many words, but would love for the move to be completed.